Maxwell Konadu: Ex-Black Leopards coach discusses positives of South Africa football

Maxwell Konadu (center) during his time as head coach of Ghana Premier League side Legon Cities. Photo Credit: Legon Cities

Experienced Ghana coach, Maxwell Konadu has described his short stay with South African club, Black Leopards as a success.

The former Asante Kotoko trainer joined the Motsepe Foundation Championship side after qualifying the now defunct Nsoatreman FC to the CAF Confederation Cup last season.

Konadu gathered respectable experience in Ghana football before joining the National First Division side last season. Despite parting ways with the club after just 17 games, Konadu considers his tenure a success.

"I decided to take on the challenge, not for the financial incentives but to explore the South African market and their style of play. It was a great learning experience, and I consider it a success." He said.

Konadu has shed light on the differences between the Ghana Premier League (GPL) and the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL).

According to Konadu, Ghanaian players possess a stronger mentality, driven by their hunger to succeed abroad.

"A South African player grows up having almost everything a European player does," So, the hunger and drive to move abroad aren't as intense as with Ghanaian players, who are always eager to travel to Europe."

"In South Africa, each team has its identity, and you never know what to expect next. In Ghana, you can often predict a coach's tactics before a game."

The former Ghana Black Stars assistant coach was appointed head coach of Black Leopards in July 2024 but inconsistent performances after 17 matches saw him leave the club.

Konadu, 52, has a rich national team experience having coached Ghana’s U-20, U-23, the home based senior national team with stints at club sides, Wa All Stars, Asante Kotoko, Legon Cities and Nsoatreman.